IR Spectrum and Structure of the Phenyl Cation

Abstract

The IR spectrum of the phenyl cation, c-C6H5+, has been derived by resonant IR photodissociation of weakly bound C6H5+⋅Ar clusters (see picture). The analysis provides the first spectroscopic characterization of this fundamental carbocation in the gas phase. The Ar ligand is used to probe the electrophilicity of the vacant nonbonding σ orbital of c-C6H5+.